The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

Please join us for a staged reading of “The Friends of Freddie Sullivan”, a hilarious new two-act comedy by Peter Paylor, read by many of the region’s finest actors. Come and meet Alan. Like many of us, he grew up with imaginary friends. There was Katie and Suzie and Austin and Gordon; they had tea parties in his room. But they weren’t real. Right? So why are they suddenly showing up at Alan’s door, adults now, with adult problems? Katie and Austin got married and it’s not going well. Suzie’s in rehab and it’s not going well either. Gordon’s in prison, again. And Nicky? She’s Katie’s imaginary friend, but Katie’s imaginary too. Nicky’s an actress. She just married Brian. Brian is an actor. They met doing “Anne of Green Gables” in Charlottetown. It’s a real play even though Anne Shirley is imaginary. Brian is real too. So is Liz. She’s Alan’s wife. She’s going on a cruise to the fjords. The fjords are real. They’re in Norway. Freddie Sullivan isn’t real; he’s really Alan. He once got his head stuck in the mouth of a cannon. Confused? You won’t be. “The Friends of Freddie Sullivan” will be read by Lise Lindenberg, Christine Leggat, Wendy Roy, Alex Bell, Chris Bauer, Darren Moore and Rick Zimmerman.

Space will be limited. To be sure of a seat you may reserve and donate online:

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

We’ll be open at 6PM for Wood Fired Pizza and drinks on the patio. Bring your guitar or just come for the fun.

It’s one of those oddball months with a fifth Wednesday. Rather than wait until the first Wednesday of June to get together for Open Mic we thought why not do something different on the last Wednesday in May? So we’ve decided to have our first outdoor acoustic ‘jam/song circle’ under our big tent. We’ll get together anytime after 6PM. Bring your appetite as we’ll be firing up (literally) the wood fired pizza oven. We encourage musicians to have songs that others might join in on. That’s how it will start. Take it where it goes from there. We won’t be plugging in or signing up. It’s a completely informal gig. Hope you can make it.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

The paintings featured in this exhibit were created during the Spectrum of Valour program, by eight talented artists, all of whom are either veterans or currently serving members of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces (RCAF).

*Contact us for hours of operation or to make an appointment*

Spectrum of Valour is an art program designed for veterans and medically releasing RCAF members who have suffered a physical and/or psychological trauma. Designed by Edith Lepage Crete in 2016, the program aims to help the participants to adapt and transition toward their “new normal”, a different phase of their lives, and to provide new social opportunities. During the course, participants are encouraged to validate their feelings and express their emotions. Creativity is used by these individuals to help make sense of their world and engage in problem resolution at an emotional level.

The curriculum’s philosophy relies on the assumption that art can reach and touch certain aspects of the personality that would otherwise remain latent and consequently promotes overall wellness.

Thanks to The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, Executive Director Tamara Kleinschmidt, and Veteran Family Program Coordinator, Kelly Briggs, who recognized the need of such a program facilitates funding for the classes.

Known throughout North America as the lead singer and a founding member of multi-platinum country-roots group Prairie Oyster, Russell deCarle has spent the last decade carving out a solo career, concentrating on songwriting and rhythm guitar playing.

Russell’s sound is a celebration and culmination of a lifetime of music, including a time when Buck Owens, The Beatles, and Frank Sinatra would all be played back to back on the radio.

He is currently touring in support of his third recording, a studio album of mostly original material titled “Alone In This Crowd”, released in July 2017. The album offers a fluent collection of songs that mix southern soul and restrained balladry, with obvious touches of southern soul, jazz, blues, and old-school country. deCarle’s songwriting has absorbed all those influences, and he avidly listens to both soul singers and the men and women who made early country music so compelling.

As the venerable jazz and blues, bible Downbeat Magazine said about Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley “It’s a rare and good thing when two talented performers join forces”. Audiences, critics, and blues lovers all over North America and Europe seem to agree. Diana Braithwaite is a descendant of the Wellington County pioneers in Canada. With roots in Florida, Diana’s ancestors escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad and lived for four generations in Wellington County, the first African-Canadian pioneer settlement in Ontario. Diana combines elements from Nina Simone, Esther Phillips, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan and others to create her unique, authentic jazz and blues style. A forceful presence recognized on the Canadian and American music scene as an artist with a unique sound who is keeping the authentic traditional jazz and blues sound alive.

Multi-Instrumentalist Chris Whiteley was born in Kansas. Whiteley has performed on over 200 recordings with the likes of Leon Redbone and Blind John Davis. In Canada, Whiteley has received the Blues with a Feeling Award, for lifetime achievement in the blues. In January 2014 Chris Whiteley won the Maple Blues Award for the top blues horn player in Canada–for the 7th time. Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley have recorded six previous albums together and have toured all over North America, UK and Europe winning numerous awards for their songwriting and albums together. Their first CD collaboration, MORNING SUN, garnered rave reviews, extensive airplay, and led to multiple Canadian MAPLE BLUES AWARD nominations, including Album of the year, and Acoustic Act of the year. Their second albums also recorded for the Electro-Fi label; NIGHTBIRD BLUES was extremely well received, with great reviews and airplay internationally. It led to them being awarded three MAPLE BLUES AWARDS in January 2010, including being recognised as SONGWRITERS OF THE YEAR. Their third Electro-Fi release, DeltaPhonic, led to more Maple Blues Awards and reached #1 on B.B. Kings Bluesville XM Sirius satellite radio network. Collectively they have been awarded 9 MAPLE BLUES AWARDS and six JUNO Nominations. They have continued to tour tirelessly across Europe and North America, appearing at Festivals and concerts, as well as numerous radio and television appearances. Highlights include four successful tours of Art Centers and Blues venues in the U.K., including featured performances at the Great British R & B Festival in Colne and the Monaghan Harvest Blues Festival in Ireland, concert appearances in Russia and Europe, and numerous national tours of Canada. Their American profile continues to expand, with such events as the Hudson River Park Blues Festival in New York City, Tinner Hill Blues Fest in Virginia, and appearances on Fox T.V. and National Public Radio.Braithwaite was dubbed a “national treasure” by JAZZ FM radio host Danny Marks. A gifted and captivating performer, Diana was chosen by Sarah McLachlan to open Lilith Fair at the Molson Amphitheatre, before 18,000 people, Her talent, and authentic shows have led her into the company of such stalwarts as Mel Brown, Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker and Jeff Healey. Appearances at shows in North America, U.K. and Europe led to her reputation as a world-class jazz and blues singer. As a teenage performer, Whiteley worked with jazz and blues legend Lonnie Johnson. During the late 70’s he toured and recorded with Leon Redbone, appearing with him on Saturday Night Live. He also met a great mentor in legendary Chicago piano player Blind John Davis, who had been the house piano player at Bluebird Records. Whiteley toured and recorded with Davis and also built a solid reputation and career as a solo artist and as a multi-instrumental session player. Appearing on over 200 recordings lead Whiteley to numerous Canadian Maple Blues Awards as both songwriter and horn player of the year. Jazz Report Magazine awarded him the Blues Album of the Year Award. In 2010 Whiteley was awarded the prestigious BLUES WITH A FEELING AWARD, for a truly earned lifetime of achievement in the blues. In 2017 Diana and Chris signed with the international music publishing house – Nightingale Music to create and produce original songs for inclusion in movies, TV, film. 2018 will see the release of a new album of classic jazz, both standards and lesser-known songs, that show off Diana’s vocal mastery of vintage jazz and Chris’s expressive award-winning sound on the trumpet and cornet. Working with longtime friend and former 20-year musical director for Stuart McLean’s Vinyl Café, John Sheard, noted jazz bass player Ron Johnston, and exciting, talented drummer Colin Kingsmore, this project offers a huge promise of great things to come

Garrett Mason was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, veteran Canadian Bluesman Dutch Mason. His path to become a blues musician started at a very early age; being surrounded by blues music, Garrett’s favourite tapes at 3 years old were Canned Heat and Buddy Rich. What really sealed the deal for Garrett to become a blues guitarist came after watching a video of Stevie Ray Vaughn “Live At the El Mocambo” – he was hooked.

“My favourite Canadian Blues Solo Artist is Garrett Mason. Nobody can do what he does!”…Jimmy Bowskill.

Joining Garrett is poet friend J.G.Lutes, making each night of the tour a time for both music and ideas. The tour was born from a chance invite Lutes accepted to read poems at a music festival last fall where J.G. was recorded reading his original work. “I shared a video with Garrett of me reading poems at the North Along The Shore Festival, in Avondale, NS. He liked it and said I should open for him. I suggested we do a tour together.” The result is thirteen dates throughout Eastern Canada.

“We’re both from small towns in Nova Scotia and I think that makes for a rural honesty in our work,” Lutes says. “I’m so proud to share a little bit of the stage with Garrett because he’s really an unbelievable musical force. If you haven’t seen him perform, and if you are intrigued by spoken word, then come out and hear a special collaboration.”

With a sprawling vocal range and compelling approach to composition, PEI’s Dylan Menzie has made an indelible mark in the Canadian music market. After hitting number one on CBC Radio 2’s Top 20 with his breakout single, “Kenya,” Menzie dropped 2016’s Adolescent Nature to acclaim from across Canada. Drawing clear influence from the likes of My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, and Joel Plaskett without being derivative of anyone, the quality of his songs heavily belies the young artist’s age.

On the back of his growing success, Menzie has performed alongside acts like City & Colour and Ron Sexsmith, showcased at major international music festivals, and was featured on CTV’s prime time music program, The Launch.His most recent release, As the Clock Rewinds , is a collection of stripped-down and reimagined cuts from Adolescent Nature that further showcases his artistry and cements his status as an undeniable talent.

Tony Silvestri is an accomplished performer/songwriter in Ontario, Canada, who welds a variety of rock and alternative styles to create a unique musical experience. Tony is known for encompassing a broad range of genres in his performances, being influenced by a full spectrum of talented musicians such as Radiohead, Steely Dan, and Jeff Buckley. He has been performing live for over 15 years.

Since first planting roots within the Canadian music scene in 2011, Ken Yates has steadily grown a reputation as one of the country’s brightest singer/songwriters. He won both “Songwriter of the year” and “New/Emerging Artist of the Year” at the 2017 Canadian Folk Music Awards. His sound offers the complete package—unforgettable melodies, emotionally charged storytelling, and top-notch guitar chops—all gloriously displayed on Yates’ new album, Huntsville.

Produced by Jim Bryson (Weakerthans, Kathleen Edwards), Yates’ second full-length effort is a major stylistic step forward, with its 11 tracks capturing his artistic evolution amid extensive touring over the past three years. “Keep Your Head Down,” with its subtle, driving groove, opens the album like a train pulling out at dawn, with vast, open vistas lying ahead. Those come into focus on other key tracks such as “Once More To The Lake,” “Roll Me On Home” and “The Best Part Of Leaving.” Yet, everywhere on the album, echoes of the Canadian songwriting tradition, from Gordon Lightfoot to Bruce Cockburn to Ron Sexsmith, are apparent, proving that with Huntsville, Ken Yates is ready to join that exalted company. A native of London, Ontario (a few hours’ drive south of the actual Huntsville), Yates studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. His first release, The Backseat EP, came out in 2011, followed by his full-length debut, twenty-three in 2013. One track on that album caught the ear of fellow Berklee alum John Mayer, who commented in a lengthy blog post, “Ken Yates wrote a song called ‘I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love.’ This song moved me when I first heard it, and it still does today.”

Hailed a “delight” by Folk Radio UK, Reenie and Lea spark a uniquely intimate connection with all audiences, and love including layered sing-alongs in their live performances.

Their debut album, In the Storm, was released in the fall of 2017, to exciting reviews:

“exquisitely performed… an accomplished chamber folk-pop album of grace and elegance”

– Folk Radio UK

“diverse and multifaceted”

– Curve Magazine

“In the Storm illustrates an effortless take on folk-style music. Their honest poetry and musicianship… makes for brilliant artistry.”

– Permanent Rain Press

The duo consists of married couple Reenie Perkovic (vocals, guitar, mandolin) and Lea Kirstein (viola, cello, vocals), who met while studying classical music on the west coast. The ladies have since made a home in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, while continually touring across Canada and the States, with upcoming tours in Europe.

Reenie grew up in the Toronto area, after her family escaped the civil war in her birthplace, Sarajevo, Bosnia. She went west to study percussion and composition at UVic, where she wrote contemporary classical works that were read by the Victoria Symphony. While studying, she continued to play guitar and lead pop bands, touring locally and playing festivals. Reenie was a semi-finalist in the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest, and has released 3 solo albums. She has opened for Juno-nominated Alysha Brilla, and Annabelle Chvostek (Wailin’ Jennys).

Lea is an acclaimed violist and fiddler, who grew up in Victoria, BC, where she studied viola and music education at UVic. Classical musician by day and fiddler by night, Lea discovered new ways of melding the two styles into one. Her passion for these genres took her across Canada & the U.S. with the Folk Arts Quartet. She has recorded with Juno-nominated artists Oliver Schroer and Teresa Doyle.

The duo is passionate about building community & education, and frequently offers workshops at schools, camps, and festivals.

The Old Church will host a musical anniversary Friday July 5th at 7:30pm.

This year marks 30 years of rockin’ and rollin’ by the Campbell Wills Duo. Rett Wills and Tim Campbell, two guitarists that sound like a four piece band, will be playing their brand rock and roll, rhythm and blues, with some original tunes thrown into the mix.

Tim and Rett have been playing since they were twelve years old and they both have their own trios: The “Tim Campbell Trio” and Rett’s “Northern Voodoo” trio. Also, both perform Solo thru-out South-Eastern Ontario.

Their different styles mesh seamlessly and they’ve been together so long the show is loose and amusing. Don’t miss an evening of ‘killer’ guitar playing and singing.

Lydia is spending some quiet time at home while her husband George is off at the cottage with his cousin Steve, when two police officers arrive with some horrible news. There’s been an accident and George is left incomplete. Can something that is lost really be replaced? Can we ever be made whole again? Does it matter where the parts come from? George returns home to a partner who is trying to make him come to grips with his alterations, but will he return the favor? Can they survive the transplant?

“Jam Jar” by Peter Coy ~ Directed by Bill McMahon.

PHD Student – Wendy Roy

Subject 1 – Sylvia Wan

Subject 2 – Penny Barker

Subject 3 – Heather Muir

TLGA – Margaret Ruttan.

A key is a device that is used to operate a lock. The key serves as a security token for access to the locked area; only persons having the correct key can open the lock and gain access. Locks and keys have managed to infuse themselves into every aspect of our lives. Join our PHD student as she conducts her experiment to determine whether the participants reveal themselves as locks or keys.

Petra is the owner of Pete’s Big Beaver Café, open to travelers on a cold and stormy Valentine’s night. Martha and John stop in on their way through town, as well as Larry, a long haul truck driver. This intimate look at relationships is a refreshingly sweet glimpse into possible turning points.

Lydia is spending some quiet time at home while her husband George is off at the cottage with his cousin Steve, when two police officers arrive with some horrible news. There’s been an accident and George is left incomplete. Can something that is lost really be replaced? Can we ever be made whole again? Does it matter where the parts come from? George returns home to a partner who is trying to make him come to grips with his alterations, but will he return the favor? Can they survive the transplant?

“Jam Jar” by Peter Coy ~ Directed by Bill McMahon.

PHD Student – Wendy Roy

Subject 1 – Sylvia Wan

Subject 2 – Penny Barker

Subject 3 – Heather Muir

TLGA – Margaret Ruttan.

A key is a device that is used to operate a lock. The key serves as a security token for access to the locked area; only persons having the correct key can open the lock and gain access. Locks and keys have managed to infuse themselves into every aspect of our lives. Join our PHD student as she conducts her experiment to determine whether the participants reveal themselves as locks or keys.

Petra is the owner of Pete’s Big Beaver Café, open to travelers on a cold and stormy Valentine’s night. Martha and John stop in on their way through town, as well as Larry, a long haul truck driver. This intimate look at relationships is a refreshingly sweet glimpse into possible turning points.

Lydia is spending some quiet time at home while her husband George is off at the cottage with his cousin Steve, when two police officers arrive with some horrible news. There’s been an accident and George is left incomplete. Can something that is lost really be replaced? Can we ever be made whole again? Does it matter where the parts come from? George returns home to a partner who is trying to make him come to grips with his alterations, but will he return the favor? Can they survive the transplant?

“Jam Jar” by Peter Coy ~ Directed by Bill McMahon.

PHD Student – Wendy Roy

Subject 1 – Sylvia Wan

Subject 2 – Penny Barker

Subject 3 – Heather Muir

TLGA – Margaret Ruttan.

A key is a device that is used to operate a lock. The key serves as a security token for access to the locked area; only persons having the correct key can open the lock and gain access. Locks and keys have managed to infuse themselves into every aspect of our lives. Join our PHD student as she conducts her experiment to determine whether the participants reveal themselves as locks or keys.

Petra is the owner of Pete’s Big Beaver Café, open to travelers on a cold and stormy Valentine’s night. Martha and John stop in on their way through town, as well as Larry, a long haul truck driver. This intimate look at relationships is a refreshingly sweet glimpse into possible turning points.

For 45 years Morgan Davis has been on the road travelling across Canada, the United States and Europe. His performances draw from a rich tradition of country blues, as well as his own contemporary songs infused with wit and a large dose of humour.

Originally from Detroit, Davis grew up listening to a prolific mix of rhythm and blues. The music of Jimmy Reed, Ike and Tina Turner, Chuck Berry and Fats Domino was in the air. He later moved to California with his family, and then in 1968 left for Canada.

While living in Rochdale College, Toronto’s mecca for the subculture of the late 1960’s, he immersed himself in the study of Delta Blues, especially the music of Robert Johnson. Toronto’s music scene in the early 1970’s was the perfect place for Davis to cut his teeth as a journeyman, having the opportunity to see and play with many legendary performers. Bukka White, Johnny Shines, Sunnyland Slim, Snooky Pryor, Hubert Sumlin, and John Hammond were encouraging supporters.

Davis hit the road with the Rhythm Rockets, The Knights of The Mystic Sea, and David Wilcox’s first band, eventually forming his own trio. Over the years he has had the priviledge of opening for Willie Dixon, John Lee Hooker, Albert King, John Hammond, Albert Collins, and Eric Bibb. A highlight of his career was backing the phenomenal Dr.John. Morgan has shared the stage with Colin Linden, who also produced his second album, shared the stage with James Cotton, Hubert Sumlin, Sunnyland Slim, Snooky Pryor, James Harmon, Gene Taylor, Dutch Mason, Gene Taylor and many other great blues artist over the years.

Davis’ songwriting talent received international recognition when Colin James covered his searing ballad “Why’d You Lie”. Morgan’s recording “Blues Medicine”, on Electro-Fi records, garnered critical acclaim as well as awards for songwriting and production. His multi- award winning release “Painkiller” won an impressive four awards at the 2004 Maple Blues Awards and not long after took home Canada’s top music prize…the Juno for Blues Album of the Year.

Davis has established a rich career as a solo artist, and also performs with stellar lineups of musicians as a trio or full band.His most recent recording, “Drive My Blues Away on Electro-Fi records is his first solo disc. His previous recording “At Home In Nova Scotia”, pays homage to Atlantic Canada where he has been a resident since 2001.

Morgan’s passion for the Blues has never wavered…and he fully expects to be on the road for the rest of his life.

“What makes the Ironwood Quartet tick? The stuff you won’t find in our musical bios… This concert gives Ironwood Quartet a chance to introduce ourselves to you as individuals and let our colours fly. We’ll be sure to include some great quartet repertoire, but also some fiddling, some singing, some solos – an unrepeatable experience.”

The Colborne Library Ukulele Band (The C.L.U.B.) taught by David Hayes and Wendy Bellan is a performing group consisting of 40 ukulele players from the age of 10 to 80 years old. Classes are taught for both beginners and advanced every Saturday morning. The group started in 2014 and unlike many ukulele groups this performing group also features solo singers. The group was funded by Mary Norton CEO of the Colborne Library and she also provided the space to hold classes. Other financial supporters of the group have been The Northumberland Veterinary Clinic, The Lions Club and The Rotary Club. The repertoire consists of music from the 1930’s to today’s music.

The group performs at various events throughout the Northumberland and Quinte area.

The philosophy for the creation of the group was to teach people the ukulele and perform concerts with the added bonus of a social group to give, especially older people, an environment to share music together and a reason to get outside of the home. Both the social and musical aspects have grown so that now the performing group is at a very high level of musicianship.

Singer, songwriter and harmonica player Paul Reddick has been performing his critically acclaimed original songs on stages across Canada, the USA and Europe for over 30 years.

He has recorded and written with Colin Linden, Tom Wilson (Lee Harvey Osmond) and MonkeyJunk among others, and recorded 10 albums of his own. His most recent recording, Ride the One (on Stony Plain Records), received the 2016 Juno Award for Best Blues Album.

Often referred to as the Poet Laureate of the Blues, he has been exploring and pushing the boundaries of the blues art form his entire career. His dedication, “Blues is a beautiful landscape”, led him to create the annual Cobalt Prize for Contemporary Blues Composition in 2014 which encourages the growth and vitality of blues music.

Renowned for his intense and hypnotic performances, Paul Reddick has developed a loyal following amongst both his fans and musical peers and continues to be one of the most compelling performers on the Canadian music scene.

Joining Paul on stage will be Adam Beer Colacino who has played at the Old Church Theatre on two occations with the Sinner’s Choir.

SP2 is world-class blues & roots acclaimed singers, songwriters, guitarists Steve Payne and Paul Hobday. Steve and Paul form a powerful roots/blues/boogie duo, playing original compositions appearing in folk/blues clubs and festivals throughout Europe and the UK. They will be joined by our friend and yours, Al Lerman.

Steve Payne has been described by many as one of the most unique guitarists, multi-instrumentalists and singer/songwriter/performers of the modern day Blues/Roots genre. He has joined the ranks of the “almost legendary” in the Roots/Blues community, and has shared the stage and bill with many of the greats of the Blues and Folk world, including BB King, Dr John and countless others.

Paul Hobday has worked for many years as a songwriter and renowned ‘gun for hire’ guitar player, working with bands and singer/songwriters performing live and in the studio. He owns and runs his own studio ‘ from his home in Chepstow where he specializes in recording acoustic artists. In 2011, Paul joined Steve Payne for his regular “Easter Run” tour of Germany and the Netherlands, in 2011 and they have played together as a duo ever since, touring in Ireland and Canada as well as Europe.

Al Lerman is no stranger to the Old Church Theatre. Outside of his 2X Juno Award winning band Fathead, Al has built a solid career touring as an solo blues/roots artist, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar and rack harmonica. Considered among the top harmonica players in the country, his prowess on the instrument has earned him several Maple Blues nominations.

High-energy duo Hat Fitz and Cara are among Australia’s most talented roots music artists. The husband and wife team have clocked up 10 years of worldwide touring, festival performances and album releases from their base of operations in the hinterland of South East Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Their festival touring circuit takes in Australia, the UK, North America and Europe where their modern blend of old-timey-influenced sounds is equally at home in a variety of settings from folk or Americana stages to blues and acoustic venues. While the singer/songwriters are both multi-instrumentalists, it’s Fitzy’s weathered vocals and soaring blues-soaked guitar combined with Cara’s pounding drums and soulful voice that show them at the peak of their creative power.

Fitzy served his musical apprenticeship in the 1980s touring around Western Queensland playing the show circuit with his father’s band alongside boxing tent shows and rodeos. Here he came upon a vinyl album of Bo Carter playing with the Mississippi Sheiks which was to be a turning point in the way he would hone his unique style of playing. He still holds the record for the most consecutive shows at Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Meanwhile Cara was growing up in a commune on the other side of the world, living a gypsy lifestyle around various parts of the Northern Ireland coast. Through a substitute teacher at school she was introduced to the folk-blues of Leadbelly, and, by way of a cassette she bought at the age of 13, got turned on to Atlantic soul. Cara’s soul music background has seen her tour Europe and the USA with singers such as Jamiroquai and the popular Corinne Bailey-Rae. She has co-written songs with Bailey-Rae, Jeff Lang, Alison Ferrier, Aine Tyrell, David Holmes, LTJ Bukem, and many others.

Winners of Blues Album Of The Year at the 2013 Australian Chain Awards and UK Spiral Earth, Hat Fitz & Cara also won Best Vocal Of The Year at the 2015 Chain Awards and were finalists in the 2015 Memphis International Blues Challenge in the USA.

We are happy to have Amanda Jean at the Old Church. She gave us a glimpse of her great talent a while ago with a couple of performances and now she returns with her her beautiful and unique song and writing styles.

“I was about five years old when my mother abruptly pulled the car over on Dundas St East in Trenton, Ontario, in front of the old Biway. “Do that again!”, she said. So I did. I sang, “Yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me. Yes Jesus Loves me, for the bible tells me so”.

I had been obsessed with listening to the Bodyguard soundtrack and in doing so, fell in love w Whitney Houston’s voice.

As a kid, I was always in my room singing for hours and hours, listening to RnB and pop music. You could hear Stevie, Lauryn, Donny, Mariah and Boyz II Men (on repeat) booming down my hallway.

Recently, I asked mom (when it hit me that I had expressed loving music and singing at a very early age), “weren’t you excited to see me spending all my playtime singing in my bedroom?” Her response, “I knew you were serious when you asked for a microphone for your fourth birthday”.

My mother Tara Leavey (Artist and songwriter for RCA) was always in my periphery, singing ideas into her tape recorder or warming up her voice and greatly supporting my own endeavours. I am well aware and grateful for the musical impact she has had on me.

I have been lucky enough to find myself in the same rooms as some of the greatest musical creators and performers and in response this has helped me embrace and understand my musical self better.

Lately, people have been describing the music I have written as a fusion of RnB, Country and Jazz. I like that because when it comes to creating, the possibilities are endless and I do it because that’s who I am.

Moving forward I cant wait to see (share and hear) my sound(s) unfold through the process that is music and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have lead me here.”

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

Together since 2005, the multi-talented, engaging singer/songwriters, Robert + Cailin, share lead vocals and spin stories, taking their songs to deeper places that captivate audiences and keeps fans coming back again and again.

Touring extensively since 2015, Campbell +Green are currently booking shows across Canada throughout 2019 featuring their latest full length album, On Being Human. Their next European tour is booking for spring/summer 2020. Available as a duo, trio or combo.

They currently live in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Robert Campbell vocals/piano/keyboard Robert hails from Edmonton, Alberta, where he discovered piano and organ at a very young age. In his early professional days, he has had the pleasure of touring with a number of first rate country musicians such as Rocky Swanson, Patricia Conroy, Susan Jacks, Buddy Knox, and Rick Tippe. In later years, Robert played in the Vancouver area doing pop, blues, R&B and country with other artists and as a solo act. In recent years, he has really come into his own, writing and performing with his wife and partner, Cailin Green. He also performs & records country & blues with East Coast artists such as John Campbelljohn, Kevin Davison, Nathalie Ladouceur, and Andrew Frelick.

Cailin Green vocals/guitar Born in New Brunswick, Cailin has lived in several places across Canada while growing up and began her singing career at an early age in Montreal. Originally trained in choral groups, she went on to study voice with various teachers over the years, experimenting with different genres and performances. Cailin has appeared in numerous musical theatre productions, choral works, concerts, and music reviews, both solo and with bands. She has also studied guitar, piano and percussion, acts and dances, and has directed and produced several musical productions and plays for community theatre. In more recent years, Cailin has turned her attention to songwriting and performing with her husband and partner, Robert Campbell, teaching vocals and guitar, conducting a ladies pop choir, and producing fine art which can be viewed at www.cailingreen.com

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

Noah Zacharin is a widely acclaimed guitar master, multi-genre songwriter, and dynamic performer. He was given his first guitar at age 9, wrote his first song at 13, and began performing at 14. In December 2015 Zacharin became a full-time recording and touring musician, and is more thrilled than ever to be doing what he’s always done.Born in Montreal, Zacharin splits his time between Toronto, the road, and an off-grid cabin on the Canadian Shield.

He has been called “a stunning guitarist…no stylistic boundaries” (Holger Peterson, CBC, Stony Plain Records), “a wonderful songwriter and performer” (Paul Mills, Borealis Records), “a poet, a songwriter, a singer we have been waiting for” (the late Penny Lang), “a great guitarist/ singer/ songwriter…a wonderfully musical player” (Randy Finney, Founder TFGA), “in a league of his own” (Brian Gladstone, Founder and AD Winterfolk Festival), “one of the best songwriters this country has produced” (the late great Rick Fielding, recording artist, radio host), and “deserving to be mentioned in the same breath with names such as James Taylor and David Wilcox” (Minor 7th).

Zacharin’s recordings have all garnered popular and critical praise: Strange Ridermade a number of ‘Best-Of’ lists for 2016. AStartle of Wings,his 8th CD, will be released in mid-May, while the songs for his 9th are on-deck, awaiting their turn in the studio. Also in the works is a DVD re-release of fan-favourite “Waiting on Your Love” which will include ASL video and a previously unreleased tune.

As a soloist he has opened shows for Odetta, David Lindley, Dave Van Ronk, Jesse Winchester, Alex de Grassi, and Fairport Convention, and performed internationally in 100’s of venues from club to concert hall. As a producer and instrumentalist he has performed with some of Canada’s finest and appears on some 60 recordings from across North America. As a writer, his songs have been recorded by popular performer and radio host Laura Fernandez (who translated the song into Spanish), Rolling Stone (India) Cover Artist Rehan Dalal, and double-slide master, the late Brian Cober.

Noah Zacharin is also an award-winning poet (“a remarkable ability to articulate efficient, powerfully condensed ideas”: What 18/19)and translator, having won McGill’s Chester-Macnaghten poetry prize and Matrix Magazine’s translation prize. He has published hundreds of poems, translations, and reviews,in periodicals and anthologies worldwide, and is currently at work on several volumes of poetry, and a number of children’s books.

In his spare time Zacharin reads, cycles, walks, and practices tai chi and kung fu.

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

A Canada-Japan Jazz Exchange, two years in the works, is happening in September. While in Canada these fine Japanese jazz musicians along with Northumberland county’s San Murata (violin) and Howard Baer (bass) will be coming to Old Church Theatre for a special, not-to-be-missed performance!

Japanese-born and educated, San Murata emigrated to Canada over 50 years ago and became a tennis pro at an exclusive club in Toronto. Soon he began working as a graphic designer and before long was Creative Director for a Canadian broadcast empire. When he reached the age of 50 San’s creative energy was bubbling over and he began to teach himself painting and jazz violin. And it was in this time of life that San’s love affair with Japan was rekindled. Now, almost 30 years later, San spends his time moving between his Canadian home in Northumberland and his Japanese home in Kumamoto.

On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard Baer, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction. Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. Howard has acted as Musical Coordinator of the Westben Jazz Fringe Festival for the past four seasons.

OUR GUESTS:

Joining us for this season’s event will be vocalist Michiyo Horiuchi and pianist Yasu Yamaguchi both visiting from Japan, as well as Millbrook’s Michael Monis on guitar. Join us for another international conversation in the language of jazz!

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

Described by Roots Music Canada as “The Pink Floyd of Folk Music” the Red Dirt Skinners are the multi-award winning, multi-instrumentalist husband and wife team of Rob and Sarah Skinner.

The first act in history to achieve accolades at both the British Blues and British Country Awards, the duo’s unique sound also won them folk/roots album of the year in several polls across the UK and North America and saw them nominated duo of the year at the International Acoustic Music Awards.

With male and female harmonies blending together as one voice and Sarah’s trademark soprano saxophone solos, you will be swept along by the refreshingly different sound of the Red Dirt Skinners.

If you like songs influenced by Pink Floyd, Simon and Garfunkel, Supertramp, Crosby Stills and Nash, David Bowie coupled with some epic storytelling, humour and heartfelt emotions, you’ll love a Red Dirt Skinners concert.

“Musically set apart from the mass of bands who are just copying what has gone before” Music News

After winning Instrumentalist of the Year at the British Blues Awards in 2014, Sarah became the first female artist to be endorsed by Trevor James Saxophones, UK.

“The space where the vocals of Sarah and Rob Skinner meet features two tones existing as a single note”. The Alternate Root Magazine

In July 2017 it was deemed by Canadian Immigration that the Red Dirt Skinners were “performers of a world class level” and they were invited to become Canadian residents. Having already completed several successful Canadian tours, the Skinners were thrilled and honoured at the invitation and took up residency almost immediately.

The duo’s latest album, Under Utopian Skies, is a testament to their love of Canada and is described by Trevor Oxborrow of Folk At Five as “A masterpiece of audio bliss”.

Advocates for finding the positives in every situation, Rob and Sarah spend much of their off-tour time encouraging new artists into the music scene and finding them performance opportunities.

A Red Dirt Skinners concert combines captivating storytelling with knowing lyricism and outstanding musicianship. The Skinners have a natural rapport with their audiences and their live shows are a wonderful experience; a musical journey to remember. Be prepared for laugh out loud lyrics, followed by songs sure to pull at your heartstrings. Rob and Sarah Skinner will steal your hearts. Don’t miss their show!

A very special Sunday matinee with 2 of Nova Scotia’s extremely talented and hard working female artists. Kim Doolittle returns to the Old Church Theatre and offers up some time and space to Christina Martin. Read about these women, get your tickets, and don’t miss a great two-for-one event!

January, 2018 marked 45 years as a Singer, Songwriter and Storyteller. Music is my life. I love to sing, write, play and tell stories about a life I had perfectly planned. Those plans went more curly than straight, teaching me that too many plans are laughable while those curves inform my Muse. My 9th studio album feels like my first. “Into The Blue”, produced and largely co-written by Ken Whiteley is the sum of a 43 year artistic journey. It comes straight from the heart and the songs reflect a deep desire to move forward in my musical life authentically, with an eye on looking back at where it all began.

“Into The Blue” dropped April 8, 2017, charting on Stingray Music, The Blues Radio Network, CBC, Toronto Blues Society Charts, Blues and Routes Radio, and Folk Routes to name a few.The music is heavily influenced by Blues, Roots, Gospel, Folk and the varied tapestry woven at family Kitchen Parties courtesy of my native Nova Scotian childhood.

I am humbled to have been mentored by Ken Whiteley, my music could not have been placed in better hands. The songs are reflective and meant to create hope and optimism through strength, perseverance, trust and spirit. We cannot get enough of that in the world.

I look forward to making your acquaintance and may all your blues be the musical kind”.

~ Kim Doolittle

CHRISTINA MARTIN – WONDERFUL LIE TOUR

Christina Martin departs on her first cross-Canada tour since 2010 with guitarist Dale Murray, supporting a new album they independently produced titled “Wonderful Lie”. The album features stripped down recordings of covers and originals. “We choose at least one version of a cover to perform each year, and now we’d like to share some of our favourites. For years, we didn’t dare attempt to recreate songs that we felt were already their best versions, but then we got selfish and figured, why not? You learn a lot in the recording process and by examining other people’s songs. It’s a treat to hear an audience’s response when they recognize that you are playing a song they know and love.”

Christina began recording her own music while slogging it out on the Austin, Texas bar scene. A multi award winning singer-songwriter, she has been relentlessly recording and touring in Canada and in the UK and Europe, building connections at venues big and small, singing songs about loss, love and perseverance. Her songs have been featured in films and television, and she’s performed at music festivals around the world (Rolling Stone Weekender Festival, Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, Folk Alliance International, Ottawa Bluesfest and Reeperbahn Festival).

At her Canadian tour dates, Martin partners with The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to promote the work of Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital.

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

Durham County Poets are from the Chateauguay valley located in Quebec, Canada. Their influences are varied, from blues to folk, from jazz to gospel, with elements of the Band, James Taylor, Jimmy Reed, even some Leon Redbone. Each member brings a different musical background to the band that marries into a sound that has been labeled as soulful folk.

“This group plays bluesy country/folk with a lot of verve. The lead singer sits in his wheelchair and just kills every vocal. The recording on “River” has mostly an ambient sound with very little reverb. It gives the listener a sense of sitting in a living room somewhere, listening to the band crank out one great tune after another.” Acoustic Live in New York City, album review

“The Poets lay down a sweet acoustic groove that’s subtle, yet captivating. Utilizing strong players on double bass, acoustic guitar, stellar electric guitar, percussion utilizing primarily brushes, they gently work around Kevin Harvey’s soulful lead vocals. I think every song I heard from them had at least one intriguing key change, further tenderizing the overall sound. Both acoustic and electric guitars often played together, uttering an almost piano sound with their blend. Watch for them next time they’re around.” —Steve Tennant Medium

“Enjoy the groove and good humor of The Durham County Poets.” John Platt, WFUV, radio (Fordham University Public Media)

“Kevin Harvey’ s rich voice and nuanced delivery covers the scope of life…. with ballads and blues-inflected originals, some swing and genial humour. Guitarist David Whyte’s guitar solos are pure grace. The Poets will get you dancing in the hallways, laughing, and feeling those blues. ” Spirit of Rasputin, Ottawa, Can.

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

Her intimate lyrics are like words torn from her diary, and the music is the glue binding the pages together. Ever since learning to play guitar at the age of 12, Teagan McLaren found harmony in creating music about her personal triumphs and struggles. “The initial challenge for me was not in writing songs, but actually performing them,” she says, “there is an inescapable vulnerability that comes along with revealing your music to the world and hoping that someone will relate to it. That fear was quickly conquered the first time I truly connected with a person over a song I wrote.”​

Gaining her confidence, Teagan gradually upgraded from performing in her living room, to jamming with other musicians at campfires and kitchen parties. It wasn’t until 2012 that her performance career took flight when a few friends convinced her to submit an audition video for the “Billy Idol” competition. The audition video received such positive reviews that Teagan was awarded a seat among the top four finalists, winning the chance to audition in-person for country star Billy Currington.​

Since then Teagan has gone on to: release a self-titled EP; place in the top 100 of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada Song Quest; win first prize at the Voice of the Rideau competition; open for multi-Juno Award winner Fred Penner, and CCMA nominees The Heartbroken; share the stage annually with Gold Record Award winner, Cliff Edwards, in a Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute show; and earn a Bachelor of Music Degree studying the saxophone.

​

Teagan is currently recording her first full-length album in Nashville, Tennessee alongside producer and ACM’s Guitarist of the Year, John Willis. The album is set to be released in the September 2019.

Jimmy Bowskill is a multi-instrumentalist whose professional career stared at age 11 when discovered by Jeff Healey. Immediately his first recording session was set up which led to Jimmy being the youngest Juno nominee ever.

He spent the next decade plus touring North America and Europe, released 6 critically acclaimed albums and shared billings with Jeff Beck, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, Jimmie Vaughan, ZZ Top, Dickey Betts, Deep Purple, Wishbone Ash and dozens more while selling out theatres and halls as a headliner.

Jimmy currently plays lead guitar for The Sheepdogs (the only Canadian group to make the cover of Rolling Stone) and he plays Pedal Steel, Mandolin and Violin for Blue Rodeo, two of Canada’s biggest bands. He is a sought after studio musician as it generally only takes him one take to get his part down (also playing keys, mandolin, pedal steel and doing string arrangements) and on top of this he has perfect pitch. His latest project was playing on and co-producing the latest Greg Keelor from Blue Rodeo’s solo album.

Accompanying Jimmy is Ian McKeown, Bowskill’s right hand man. Ian has been playing music with Jim for 5 years, involved in several of his projects, playing drums in Jim’s Rock Band, Bass in Jim’s Blues Band and Dobro in Jim’s Bluegrass Band. Ian lives in Toronto and is another sought after multi-instrumentalist.

This will be an incredible evening of original songs, Roots and Blues Classics and some fine pickin’.

Please join us for a glass or two of local wine, or a pint or two of local beer, and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.

What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.

The Black Chair

Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.

The Consultants

Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.

Please join us for a glass or two of local wine (or a pint or two of local beer) and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.

What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.

The Black Chair

Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.

The Consultants

Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.

Please join us for a glass or two of local wine (or a pint or two of local beer) and a one-act play or two by local playwright Peter Paylor. Make that three plays – and every one of them a world premiere.

What do you get when you have four random elements and 24 hours to put them into a play? If the elements are domestic pigeons, an ultimatum, a pay phone, and a recurring slogan, you might get A Wedding in (Mostly) White. Directed by Lesley Bonisteel from the original script, it’s the age-old story of a bride, a groom, a bird guy, and the kind of wedding day dilemma that only a used car salesman can solve.

The Black Chair

Paul is taking pictures of ordinary people in an empty room, interacting with an old chair. Mary is there to let him in. That’s about all there is to The Black Chair, a bittersweet, moving, funny, and poignant collection of tour de force performances by members of the Old Church Theatre Workshop.

The Consultants

Timothy wants nothing more than to get to work – he’s got a shift at his part-time job – but unfortunately he’s inherited a fortune and now he has to visit Liz and Pat, the consultants, before he can do anything else. Directed by the playwright, The Consultants is a comic romp through days gone by when shop girls were shop girls and a house was more than a home.

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

It’s probably a good thing Carlos wasn’t there when the harmonica appeared in North America in the 1860s. Neil Young and Bob Dylan can probably roll with it when he says they are very mediocre harmonica players. Aspiring harmonica players Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid might have overreacted and pulled out their pistols.

Carlos has been awarded Gold Medals from the Hohner World Harmonica Championship in Trossingen, Germany, as well as multiple national awards in Canada which includes Carlos’ eight time Harmonica Player of The Year wins at the Maple Leaf Blues Awards.

To say he plays the harmonica is like saying “Jimi Hendrix plays guitar”. He blows the blues harp through a prism — suddenly it seems he’s holding every colour in the musical rainbow right there in his hands. Simultaneously sophisticated and raw, his playing blurs the boundaries between blues and jazz (hence the name for his band “The Blues Mongrels”, they could just as well be called “The Jazz Mongrels”). The emphasis is on blues, but they are not afraid to merrily traipse off in other directions delivering a seamless fusion of New Orleans second line grooves, jazz swing, Latin, hip-hop or ska melodies, to swampy roots rock.

The Blues Mongrels are: bassist Henry Heillig (founded the nine piece Latin band Manteca), and guitarist Eric St. Laurent. Get ready to trash all you thought you knew about the harmonica. The Blues Mongrels deliver a no-holds-barred display of fun and melodic virtuosity.

“One listen to the man who bent his first notes on the harmonica at the age of fourteen and it’s obvious he’s in a class with such greats as Toots Theilemans, Paul Butterfield, and Howard Levy… Peter North – The Edmonton Journal

“FOUR (out of 4) STARS – Latest Cd Review: MONGREL MASH It’s not likely that you’ll ever hear the harmonica played so well and in so many different ways than at the hands of Cuban-born Torontonian Carlos del Junco. But what makes his album an especial treat is the sheer let’s-do-it positive energy that radiates from the eclectic collection of nine tracks. Mongrel Mash refers to the crazy mix of styles, ranging from deep, heavy-duty blues-rock (“Mojo”) to Herb Alpert’s slightly cheesy “Slick,” and jivin’ “Lil’ Laptop” to sweet, rootsy ballad “The Field,” which arrives via languid dobro set-up. Del Junco may be the headliner, but the songs and arrangements shine the light on an excellent band of equals who all get some time in the sonic spotlight. There is something here to put a smile on anyone’s face — and it only gets better with each listen. My favourite: Del Junco’s own “My Favourite Uncle,” a gently hip-swinging sweep down Louisiana way. John Terauds – TORONTO STAR

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

The music of 2ish has been described as a “ living film score”, or as the style often referred to as “Heavy Wood”. Purely instrumental, their original compositions often remind the listener of music once created by the artists Michael Hedges, Oliver Schroer, Stefane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

Saskia Tomkins, nyckelharpa, viola, violin

Saskia was born in the UK and began playing classical violin at 7 years old. She discovered folk music at 11 years, and jazz at 17. Because of her very mixed heritage, she enjoys exploring and connecting to each of these through the music.

Saskia gained a B.A.hons in Jazz from Middlesex University in London, UK, where her biggest influential teachers were Stuart Hall (from Loose Tubes), who introduced her to a myriad of music genres. Chris Batchelor (Julian Argüelles group) and classically, Mike Thomas from the Brodsky String Quartet.

Since then, Saskia has travelled the world learning different violin genres, playing with people such as Laurie Anderson, John Etheridge, Sin E, Uriah Heep, The English Shakespeare Company, The Chieftains, Toronto Tabla Ensemble, and various Dance and Theatre troupes. She has done much work with dancers and theatre companies and taught many summer schools.

Her recording career covers over 30 albums and numerous Radio broadcasts including work for the BBC. She is an all Britain Irish Fiddle Champion. Since arriving in Canada in 2007 with her family, she has been embraced by the music community. Saskia is currently working with 4th Line Theatre Company and Mackenzie Roe Theatre Company; with an Irish/Canadian trio, Cairdeas: is principle viola in the Northumberland Symphony Orchestra and co-runs an Irish session in Bowmanville.

Saskia frequently works with 4th Line Theatre Company, David Newland, Kim Doolittle, an Irish/Canadian trio, Cairdeas which includes her husband Steafan Hannigan, and is principle 2nd violin in the Quinte Symphony Orchestra.

Brandon has studied advanced acoustic guitar technique in France under Pierre Bensusan, and with Canadian guitarist Don Ross for two years. He also studied Jazz saxophone under Kirk MacDonald. and Jazz theory under New York based musician Barry Harris as a participant in his workshops.

Brandon has performed with Don Thompson, Oliver Schroer, Don Ross, Haygood Hardy, Guido Basso, Pat LaBarbara, Mae Moore to name but a few. He has shared performances with Jeff Healy, Ani Defranco, Lighthouse, Colin James, Michelle Wright, Jane Bunnet, Albert King and other well established artists. Brandon currently works out of Toronto Canada as a music educator, composer and session musician.

He has made several appearances on all the major television networks and has had his music video “Try” played regularly on Much Music. Brandon’s instrumental prowess was also featured on the 1998 Juno Award winning album by Judy and David. He had also composed the theme for the 2001 Juno Awards.

Brandon has been awarded several Ontario Arts Council, Factor, VideoFact and Canada Arts Council Grants for several projects during his career. He had won the award for Best Performer of the year on CIUT’s “Acoustic Workshop” radio show. Brandon has also spent two years working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a member of their orchestra, and as assistant Musical Director, traveling all over the world playing music.

Through the North Toronto school of music, and privately, Brandon has been teaching Guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone and music theory for over 25 years. Brandon works out of Toronto as a busy session musician and sought-after composer. He has provided over 300 original compositions that include 24 string quartet pieces, a retail acoustic guitar package for Sound Ideas , Rock, Jazz, Funk and World Library music for CTV Music, French Cafe music for Nightingale Music and many thematic titles for use in feature films.

John Northcott, host of CBC’s Entertainment Tonight, said in reference to Brandon that,“when you cross a jazz saxophone player with a guitarist, the result is some remarkable guitar work!”

“Outrageously talented!” is how Kingston’s All Folks Festival described Brandon Scott Besharah.

The Amazing Kreskin had this to say about Brandon’s song composed in his honour with wordsmith Lizzy Shanks:“The song is called the Amazing, but you tell them, they’re amazing, these people really did some job! I’m going out to have a ball this next week when I come to Toronto”(the trip he was referring to was to host Besharah’s CD release at Toronto’s Glenn Gould Theatre.)

Lenni Stewart, Michael Monis, Harry Ellis and Howard Baer return to the Old Church Theatre to celebrate Remembrance Day. The afternoon will included an array of the unforgettable ‘Songs That Won the War’ from both World Wars.

Canadian songstress Lenni Stewart delivers the ‘swing’ every time to the enduring tunes of the American Songbook, Broadway Jazz & Torch.

With class, sass, charm, sophistication and a dose of The Comedienne, Lenni is a stage persona that is compelling to the senses and a tickle to the funny bone.

Critics describe her as “…an amazing talent” having “…a distinctive vocal magic. Her voice is beautiful, sensual and vibrant.” An evening with Lenni Stewart is CLASSY, SASSY, SOPHISTICATED …and unforgettable!

Comfortable in any musical style, and active in the Toronto music scene for well over thirty years, Michael Monis has toured extensively and worked both in studio and on stage with countless jazz greats from Moe Koffman to Jane Bunnett. Son of legendary guitar master Hank Monis, Michael currently resides with his family in Millbrook, Ontario.

Raised in New Jersey, Harry Ellis has had a long and varied career playing and traveling with such artists as Helen Reddy, Gary Lewis & the Playboys, Maria Muldar, Tanya Tucker, Michelle Wright, and Carol Baker. He has performed in jazz festivals in Europe and Asia with Milt Hinton, Buddy Tate, Warren Vaché, Danny Moss, and Roy Williamson, and in Canada with Peter Appleyard, Norm Amadio, Frank Wright, Michael Stewart, Bobby Fenton, George Koller, Hilario Duran, Luis Mario Ochoa, and Bill McBirnie to name but a few. Harry now resides in Prince Edward County and performs regularly with a wide assortment of players and singers in the area.

On the heels of a 38yr career in studio recording as composer-arranger-producer creating music for IMAX, CBC-TV, Solitudes and numerous educational music programs for kids, having had over 7000 of his arrangements recorded, and having been honoured with several JUNO nominations for his work, Howard Baer, a Warkworth resident, has changed musical direction. Previously a keyboardist, trumpet player and conductor, Howard now enjoys playing various styles of music: jazz, swing, blues, country, bluegrass, R&B, folk and classical …as an upright bassist. His main focus has been playing in various jazz configurations and coordinating music presentations for dining venues, festivals, weddings & special events. For more information please visit baeronbass.wordpress.com.

No two song format, no waiting to play. No mics or amps or pedals. No cords to trip on. No banjo or bagpipe jokes. Accordions always welcome.

Join us Wednesday nights at the Old Church when we fill the house with music and good times in the spirit of campfires and kitchen parties and band practice in mom’s basement. Bring an instrument or two to play, a song or two to perform or share, where the band plays along and anyone or everyone is in the band. Or just sit and listen or shake a shaker or hum or sing along.

​One reviewer recently wrote – ‘Daniel Champagne exudes a natural ease on stage, as he sings poignant lyrics and beautifully crafted melodies that invariably whisk the heart up with grand romanticism. Coupled with an exhilarating guitar talent that transcends mere acoustic playing to replicate a whole band, Champagne is just magical’

The story goes that the young Australian singer, songwriter and one-of-a-kind guitar virtuoso first picked up his instrument of choice as a five-year-old following in the footsteps of a musical father. He began writing songs at 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing solo wherever he could, honing his craft and developing what would become the dynamite live show that he is renowned for today. At 18 he left school, turned professional and hit the road.

The next several years saw him traversing North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and of course, his homeland Australia playing such festivals as California WorldFest, Winnipeg Folk Fest, Vancouver and Mariposa Folk (Canada), Belgium’s Labadoux Festival and Australia’s Woodford, Falls Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and the legendary Byron Bay Bluesfest. He has toured and shared stages with Jake Shimabukuro, Jesse Cook, Roderigo Y Gabriela, Richard Shindell, The Ragbirds, The Waifs, Lucinda Williams, Judy Collins, INXS, John Butler, KT Tunstall and Ani DiFranco.

As one reviewer recently wrote, “still in his early twenties, the distances he has been would be more frequently associated with veterans of the Folk scene” (The Dwarf).

Daniel has accomplished all of this while writing, producing and independently releasing two Eps, Gypsy Moon Volumes 1 and 2, his first long player ‘Pint of Mystery’ (2011) ‘My Own Design’ (2009), ‘Wide Eyed and Open’ (2010), ‘Real Live’ (2012), and ‘The Heartland Hurricanes’ (2014), and ‘Fault Lines’ (2017). His latest release the ‘Satellite City EP’ (2018) is comprised of three singles, Satellite City (out Sept 14), Indigo (out Oct 12), and The Great Divide (out Nov 1).

A review of his two Gypsy Moon releases said the following: ‘Champagne has gone a step further this time, it’s like he’s realized his own potential, his confidence is sky-high and he’s truly ready to explore’ – Australia’s roots music bible Rhythms Magazine

Now regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for making festivals buzz, holding crowds in his palm, dropping jaws and breaking guitars wherever he goes. Daniel Champagne has relocated to North America where he continues his exciting career as an international touring and recording artist.

Join author and former captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, Kelly S. Thompson and Quinte area photographer and writer, Larry Tayler as they discuss Kelly’s debut memoir, Girls Need Not Apply: Field Notes From The Forces.

Donations are accepted at the door and your online donation reserves a seat. Proceeds from Kelly’s evening will go to the Women Warriors Healing Garden

BIO KELLY S. THOMPSON is a former captain in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring after an injury, and is now a writer and editor based out of the Toronto area. She has a degree in Professional Writing from York and an MFA in Creative Writing from UBC. Her work has appeared in magazines including Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and Maisonneuve, as well as in various anthologies and collections. Her essay “Basically Broken” appeared in the bestselling 2017 anthology Everyday Heroes. Her essay “We Are a (Military) Family” won the 2013 Barbara Novak Award for Excellence in Personal Essay. Her essay “Strip, Reveal and Sex Appeal” won the 2017 Barbara Novak Award for Excellence in Personal Essay. This is her first book.

ABOUT THIS BOOK This inspiring, compelling debut memoir chronicles the experiences of a female captain serving in the Canadian Armed Forces, and her journey to make space for herself in a traditionally masculine world. At eighteen years old, Kelly Thompson enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces. Despite growing up in a military family — she would, in fact, be a fourth-generation soldier — she couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong.

From the moment she arrives for basic training at a Quebec military base, a young woman more interested in writing than weaponry, she quickly realizes that her conception of what being a soldier means, forged from a desire to serve her country after the 9/11 attacks, isn’t entirely accurate. A career as a female officer will involve navigating a masculinized culture and coming to grips with her burgeoning feminism.

In this compulsively readable memoir, Thompson writes with wit and honesty about her own development as a woman and a soldier, unsparingly highlighting truths about her time in the military. In sharply crafted prose, she chronicles the frequent sexism and misogyny she encounters both in training and later in the workplace, and explores her own feelings of pride and loyalty to the Forces, and a family legacy of PTSD, all while searching for an artistic identity in a career that demands conformity. When she sustains a career-altering injury, Thompson fearlessly re-examines her identity as a soldier.

Girls Need Not Apply is a refreshingly honest story of conviction, determination, and empowerment, and a bit of a love story, too.